2015 Links for Literacy benefits Russell Education Foundation

 RUSSELL EDUCATION FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NEW NAME AND
EXPANDS PROGRAM SERVICES

Russell Education Foundation (formerly The Russell Life Skills and Reading Foundation) has launched a new branding effort as part of its expanded program services. Once focused solely on reading skills, the Foundation has evolved to further educate students in the areas of science and math. The announcement was made at the Foundation’s annual Links for Literacy VIP fundraising event, to an audience of more than 400 supporters.

“The Foundation has really made a mark in increasing youth reading skills and wanted to extend our mission to provide a more well-rounded learning experience,” said Twan Russell, founder of The Russell Education Foundation. “With STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) playing a major role in future job opportunities in our country and beyond, we saw an opportunity to enhance our program to give youth the tools to be successful.”

To showcase the new learning modules, the Foundation recently hosted “Community Day,” which exposed more than 300 elementary school students to life experiences. Prominent community leaders and professionals visited each of the Russell Education Foundation centers to share their stories and emphasize the impact reading, science and math have had on their ability to achieve success. Guest speakers included former Miami Dolphins John Offerdahl, Sean Hill and Lorenzo Hampton, as well as City of Hollywood Commissioner Peter Hernandez, Nova Southeastern University VP for Advancement and Community Relations Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, radio personality Tamara G. and American National Bank’s Senior VP and BSA Officer, Charisse Dyer, and BSA Analyst Lucretia Reed.

“This was a great way to celebrate the expansion of our educational programs and allow kids to interact directly with successful community leaders who could share how reading, science and math have been integral in their development,” Russell said.

The Foundation has launched a new logo and website in conjunction with the name change. In addition, the organization will seek to provide more hands-on learning experiences to further engage youth.

The Russell Education Foundation centers are located in disadvantaged communities in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, including Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and North Miami. The centers employ certified teachers to work with small groups of children four days per week to teach fundamental reading, science and math skills. Most children enter the program below grade level in both reading and math, and increase their proficiency by at least one grade level in the first year.

For more information about the Russell Education Foundation, visit www.russellreadingroom.com.

About Russell Education Foundation
The Russell Education Foundation (formerly The Russell Life Skills and Reading Foundation) was founded in 1998 by then-Miami Dolphins linebacker Twan Russell and his mother, Corliss, a middle school teacher with a huge heart for helping struggling children. The Foundation helps inner-city children by teaching and reinforcing reading, science and math skills that are critical for success in life. There are currently nine centers throughout Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, serving more than 300 kids each year.